The holiday season is right around the corner, and for many people, it means a time of chaos, bankruptcy, and the dreaded holiday gatherings. Memories of past get-togethers come flooding back, and more often then not, negative incidents have more impact than positive ones. As a result, many people are feeling very stressed out and anxious.

For those people who have mental illness, such as social phobia, depression, and anxiety, the parties are the worst part of the holiday, and the fear starts to grow weeks and sometimes months before the holiday actually arrives. Stores have Christmas paraphernalia set up, the malls are getting busier, and the commercials on TV and radio keep a reminder that Christmas is coming.